Kotor: Speedboat Tour to Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks

Exploring Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor by speedboat is a highlight for many travelers, and this tour offers an exciting, flexible way to see some of the most iconic spots. We’ve gathered all the essential details, along with real feedback, to help you decide if this adventure fits your travel style.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the stunning natural formations, knowledgeable guides, and the overall value. The boats are described as comfortable and new, which is a big plus after years of less-than-ideal vessel experiences. Plus, swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Cave are unforgettable moments. However, weather can impact the Blue Cave visit, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a mix of history, nature, and fun on the water, especially if you enjoy small-group or private excursions. It’s well-suited for travelers who love authentic experiences, good storytelling, and don’t mind a bit of water-based adventure.

Good To Know

• Stunning Locations: Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave.
• Expert Guides: Guides offer detailed insights into the area’s history and natural features.
• Comfortable Boats: Modern, well-maintained vessels enhance the overall experience.
• Flexible Duration: Tours last from 2 to 6 hours, allowing for personal preference.
• Value for Money: Includes hotel pickup, bottled water, and multiple stops for swimming and sightseeing.
• Weather Considerations: The Blue Cave visit depends on weather conditions; it might be canceled or shortened.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Kotor Speedboat Tour

Starting Point and Convenience

The tour begins at the Kotor pier, specifically from the Park Slobode area. If you’re staying nearby or arriving by cruise ship, finding the departure point is straightforward—just look for the Sea Dog Tours booth and some small booths nearby. For those traveling during the busy summer months, arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to avoid traffic jams and ensure a smooth start.

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour’s flexible itinerary allows you to explore at a comfortable pace, with key stops designed to maximize your experience. The journey typically unfolds as follows:

• Quick Speedboat Ride (20 minutes): The tour kicks off with a scenic ride along the bay, setting the tone for the day. You’ll get your first glimpses of the rugged coastline dotted with ancient villages and lush vegetation.
• Pass by Perast (3 minutes): While just a quick pass, this charming old town provides a beautiful backdrop, and many take the chance for photos.
• Our Lady of the Rocks (20 minutes): This iconic man-made islet is built upon a crag and holds a revered religious icon. Visitors usually spend about 20 minutes here, enjoying a walk around the island, snapping photos, and learning about its history. Many reviews mention the breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the site, making it a favorite stop.
• Visit to the Former Submarine Tunnel (10 minutes): A brief exploration of this WWII relic adds a touch of history to the tour. It’s appreciated by those with an interest in local wartime stories.
• Mamula Island (5-minute photo stop): Though the fortress on Mamula is only passed by without stopping, the views of this imposing island are striking and perfect for quick photos.
• Blue Cave (20 minutes): The highlight for many, the Blue Cave offers a chance to swim in iridescent waters created by waves crashing over thousands of years. Reviewers often mention how much they enjoyed snorkeling and the vivid color of the water. An important note: weather conditions can affect this stop, and if the weather is bad, the cave visit might be shortened or canceled—some guests noted they couldn’t visit due to weather.
• Other Stops and Return: The tour includes a few additional quick rides and stops, lasting from 10 to 15 minutes, wrapping up at the original meeting point.

The Blue Cave Experience

Many travelers point out that swimming inside the Blue Cave is the absolute highlight. The water’s glow is often described as magical, with some reviewers mentioning they used snorkels to explore beneath the surface. One guest noted the water was slightly chilly, but still well worth the dip. Guides are usually attentive, offering snorkels, and ensure everyone feels safe.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Our Lady of the Rocks

This man-made islet is a spiritual and cultural icon. The 20-minute stop allows enough time to walk around, take photos, and appreciate the church’s interior. Entry costs about 1.50 euros, which is not included in the base price. Many reviews mention how the surrounding scenery makes it more than just a religious site—it’s a visual feast of mountains and water.

Mamula Island and WWII History

Though the fortress on Mamula is passed without stopping, many find the quick view of this historic island fascinating. It’s an excellent photo opportunity, especially with the dramatic cliffside setting. The submarine tunnel, used during WWII to hide submarines, offers a brief but intriguing glimpse into Montenegro’s wartime past.

Guides and Overall Attitude

Guests consistently praised guides like Alex and Nina for their extensive knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to keep everyone engaged. Many reviews mention how guides shared interesting stories about the history of the bay and the significance of each location, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. The atmosphere on the boats is described as lively, fun, and well-organized.

Comfort and Practicalities

The boats are described as new and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth ride even in choppier waters. Bottled water is provided, which is appreciated after swimming or during the heats of summer. The tour duration can be tailored from 2 to 6 hours—perfect if you want a quick overview or a more relaxed, leisurely day.

Pricing and Value

The overall cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off (if you’re staying on the seaside), the guide, and multiple stops. The entry fee for Our Lady of the Rocks is a small extra. Considering the breadth of sights, the swimming opportunities, and the expert guiding, many reviewers feel this is good value for money—especially when compared to larger, less personalized tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

• Water lovers and snorkelers will find the Blue Cave a highlight.
• Those interested in local history will enjoy the stories shared during the stops.
• Travelers wanting a flexible, scenic adventure with options to customize the experience.
• Anyone staying near Kotor or on a cruise, thanks to the convenient meeting point.

What to Keep in Mind

Weather conditions can affect the Blue Cave visit, so it’s wise to remain flexible. Also, if you have mobility issues or are very heavy (over 118 kg/260 lbs), check with the provider beforehand, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments. Bring your own food and drinks if you have specific dietary needs, although bottled water is supplied.

This speedboat tour offers a lively, engaging way to see Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor. It balances beautiful scenery, history, and water-based fun into a package that’s hard to beat in value. The knowledgeable guides and modern boats make the experience comfortable and informative, with plenty of opportunities to swim in the Blue Cave and explore iconic sites like Our Lady of the Rocks.

It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want a personalized, small-group feel and are eager to experience the bay’s natural wonders firsthand. Whether you’re after a quick overview or a more relaxed day on the water, this tour delivers memorable moments that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

How long does the tour last?
The tour can vary from 2 to 6 hours depending on the option you choose and the stops you want to include.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you’re staying on the seaside, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Most guests mention swimming in the Blue Cave as the standout experience, thanks to its stunning, glowing waters.

Are the boats comfortable?
Yes, reviews say the boats are new, well-maintained, and comfortable, making the ride enjoyable even during longer trips.

Can I visit Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, you’ll have about 20 minutes to walk around, take photos, and visit the church, with an entry fee of about 1.50 euros.

Will the Blue Cave be open?
It depends on weather conditions; if the weather isn’t favorable, the Blue Cave stop may be shortened or canceled.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Small children are fine if they are comfortable on boats.

What should I bring?
Bring your own food and drinks if you want, but bottled water is provided. Sunscreen and towels are also recommended.

How do I book?
You can reserve through GetYourGuide, and there’s an option to pay later, offering flexibility with your travel plans.

This speedboat adventure in Kotor combines natural beauty, historical sights, and a touch of thrill—perfect for curious explorers and water lovers alike.

You can check if your dates are available here: